They started out as a worship band named Call Box. They changed their name to “Kutless” before releasing an independent three song EP. They were signed by BEC Recording and their self titled debut album was released in 2002. The song “Run” would go on to be the longest charting song in the history of the R&R Top 40. The album was also followed by a Kutless DVD the same year.

Their followup album, Sea of Faces was released in 2004. The next year, they released a worship album called Strong Tower. But before the album was even released thier bassist and drummer left the band and to start a label. Verbatim Records. Around that same time another Christian rock band, Seven Places, had broken up. Bassist Dave Luetkenhoelter and drummer Jeffrey Gilbert joined Kutless. Thier first album with the band was Hearts of the Innocent in 2006. They also released a live album that year called Live From Portland. In 2007, guitarist Ryan Shrout decided to leave Kutless, after his daughter was diagnosed with a rare eye disease. He was replaced by Nick De Partee. Kutless’s album To Know That You’re Alive was released in 2008.